It appears as if the New York Jets found a reliable slot cornerback in Round 5 at the 2021 NFL Draft.
There's an argument to be made that Michael Carter II is the unsung hero of the secondary for a 2022 defense that ranked fourth in the NFL.
"MC [Michael Carter II] in the slot," said quarterback Aaron Rodgers during OTAs. "I remember last year when we played the Jets, felt like we wanted to get after MC, and then after the game, I think everybody was like, ‘He’s a pretty damn good player,’ but also a good person."
In the Jets' 27-10 road win over Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers, the 5-foot-10 Carter played 86 percent of the defensive snaps and made five solo tackles. He was part of an effort that held Rodgers to 6.0 yards per pass and only one touchdown in 41 attempts.
After 15 appearances as a rookie, Carter II did not miss a game in 2022. The Duke product limited opposing receivers to 6.1 yards per target while allowing only one touchdown as a second-year pro.
Carter II accounted for at least one stop in all 17 games. He picked off passes against the Pittsburgh Steelers (Week 4) and New England Patriots (Week 8).
Michael Carter II, Slot Corner
Number: 30
Current Status: Starter
How/When Acquired: Drafted / 2021 Round 5 (No. 154 overall)
College: Duke
2022 Final Stats: 13 GP, 9 GS, 44 total tackles, 5 PD, 2 INT (at LSU)
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Jets React to 'Terrible' Roughing the Passer Call
John Franklin-Myers's late hit on Mac Jones wiped away an interception return from Michael Carter II in the Jets' 22-17 loss to the New England Patriots.
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